Dear JASPER Partner,
In my 44 years in the Automotive Industry, I have never experienced the difficult and trying times we are experiencing. The US Department of Homeland Security has deemed JASPER an “essential and critical supplier to the USPS, federal, state, and local agencies along with transportation companies." We have and will continue to operate in this capacity.
The Safety of our Associate-Owners is our First Priority; we began three weeks ago by closing our plants to visitors, we then looked at all work areas to have a minimum of 6ft. separation, and some Associates began working from home. Today, we have 150+ people working remotely. We then staggered shifts and breaks, repositioned break rooms and conference room furniture for separation, discontinued all meetings with more than ten individuals, and closed sinks and stalls in restrooms to create distancing. We have promoted additional hand washing and added a lot of sanitizers as well. Our cleaning of work areas and common areas has also increased. Two weeks ago, we began checking the temperature of all Associates every morning, and anyone making deliveries inside our buildings. We have also encouraged additional hand washing.
Due to the closings of schools and child care centers, and those with Higher Risk or concerns, we instituted a Paid COVID-19 Program (10 days) and additional Unpaid time to all. Our Executive Team meets at 8:45 am and 4:00 pm daily to review this ever-changing disease, and the strains it puts on our staff and manufacturing. We have had conferences with our major suppliers, and although we may have some parts disruptions, we are working to minimize them.
In keeping with federal, state, and local mandates to reduce the number of needed Associates so more sheltering can be done, this Friday - April 3rd, we will close for the day. Inside Sales, Accounts Payable/Receiving, Distribution, and Branches will work on a flex schedule, so needed services for you will continue. Good Friday is a Holiday for our Associate-Owners and Manufacturing will be closed. Inside Sales, Customer Service, Branches and Services will be operating.
Beginning April 1, the majority of our Outside Sales Reps will work from home. They will continue to be available by phone, and will be calling you to see how we can help you and your business through these difficult times.
We thank you for the trust you have placed in us, and assure you we will continue to be vigilant and diligent with the Health of our Associate-Owners, and continue to be the supplier you need. As of April 1st, we have not had any confirmed COVID-19 cases in any of our six manufacturing plants.
Again, thank you for your business and partnership. If I can be of help to you, please reach out. We believe, as a country, we will beat this virus, and come out of this stronger and more united than before.
Sincerely,
Doug Bawel
Chairman/CEO